Social Change, Tel Aviv Style

In 1948, the World Zionist Organization established the People’s Council, a community parliament in Tel Aviv that one month later declared the establishment of a Jewish homeland in the State of Israel.

In 2010, Tel Aviv boasts one of the world’s most captivating coffee shop cultures (amongst many other achievements!).

For residents and visitors alike, the city’s coffee shops assume the valuable role of a community center – a place for people to meet and connect for business or socially,

or to enjoy a solo moment of relaxation.

The creative energy buzzing from the

cafés can be felt throughout Tel Aviv

and beyond.

…and so we chose the café as the social venture model to embrace the Jewish and Zionist value central to the original People’s Council – “kol Israel arevim ze la-ze”–

we are responsible for each other.

The People's Council Café will:

provide a much needed resource –

a physical space – for increasing social action awareness by:

Offering non-profit organizations use of the space for meetings and events;
Inviting the community to lectures, workshops, panels and debates;
Screening films for festivals and openings on socially relevant issues;
Hosting events for student groups, soldiers, educators, and academics;
Organizing historical tours and a learning space for international tour groups;

The Peoples Council Declaration

David Ben Gurion and the People's Council

Independence Hall, Tel Aviv, May 1948

photo credit: Rudi Wissenstein

Providing exposure for artists through exhibitions and performances;
Celebrating Jewish holidays according to the traditions of all communities, and holding an intimate ceremony on Memorial Day;

Check out even more of our ideas for social and cultural activities.

promote sustainability and environmentally sound business practices by:

Practicing and promoting recycling, reducing and reusing;
Serving local, organic and fair trade food products;
Opting for products produced by socially conscious businesses (Tulip,Yeladudes, Alut, Susanart, Choconoy);
Donating surplus food to organizations collecting food for those in need;
Creating fully accessible spaces for all customers, including having menus in Braille; and more.

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Social Change, Tel Aviv Style